WALBRIDGE OAKWOOD.
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WALBRIDGE – OAKWOOD SOUTHSHORE MEDICAL CENTER
Walbridge is able to overcome major challenges on its
projects thanks to an emphasis on teamwork.
we weren’t interrupting ongoing opera-
tions [at the hospital].”
However, the concurring theme of
teamwork enabled Walbridge to meet
that challenge successfully, he says. The
project implemented the design/build
method and during the preconstruction
process, the company met with the archi-
tects and hospital staff as well as the
Oakwood construction engineer several
times to plan and go over the construc-
tion process.
“Back in 2006, we spent many hours
here and did various designs together,”
he says. “We worked hard to move for-
ward, and we had every aspect and per-
son involved.
“We also used 3-D modeling, which
aided us in above ceiling coordination of
utilities and allowed us to work through
this process very quickly.”
Noteworthy Subcontractors
The project utilized 50 subcontractors,
many of whom are performing work on
both the new facility and the renova-
tions. Some of the project’s subcontrac-
tors include:
■ Maryland Electric – The company
installed new equipment and electrical
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feed for the project. “They did an excep-
tional job,” Colombo notes. “It was a big
challenge, but we really have to give
them credit.”
■ Acoustic Ceiling & Partition – The
company installed carpentry – such as
stud walls and drywall – in the facility.
■ Wally Kosorski Company – It installed
millwork and doors and hardware.
■ Great Lakes Mechanical – This mechani-
cal contractor installed the duct work sys-
tem. “They stayed on top of it and helped
us meet the schedule,” he says.
■ Turner Brooks and Empire Tile –
Installed flooring and ceramic tile
■ Griffin International – This company
provided the heating and cooling sys-
tems, comprised of a 6,500-square-foot
prefabricated mechanical room.
Accident-Free
Oakwood decided to build this project as
a part of its promise to service the com-
munity. “There is not another large hos-
pital in the area,” Colombo says. “The
reception has been phenomenal and it’s
a very huge commitment.”
Walbridge has performed projects for
the hospital before, but this is its largest
undertaking to date. “It’s a very large build-
ing that we’ve done,” he says. “Everyone
came together, they were awesome and
worked hard at it. We constructed a phe-
nomenal project here.”
The company’s most noteworthy
accomplishment on this project was hav-
ing 350,000 accident-free man-hours.
Although with its high safety record, it
wasn’t a surprise. “Last time we checked,
we were at 6 million man hours with no
lost time,” he notes.
Walbridge’s other specialties include
institutional, research and development,
education, commercial office buildings, air-
port, municipal, hotel, retail, public works,
automotive, industrial and correctional
facilities. Its service offerings include inte-
grated program management, full-service
turnkey, process engineering and technical
services, construction management, general
construction contracting, facility manage-
ment, equipment installation and
design/build. “The Walbridge team is
devoted to exceeding customer expecta-
tions by providing the most efficient,
innovative construction-related services
at the lowest cost possible,” the company
explains. “As experienced, responsive pro-
fessionals, Walbridge team members
honor a commitment to excellence with
one common goal – a satisfied and val-
ued client.”
The Detroit-based company was found-
ed in 1916. Additional office locations
include Walbridge Southeast in Charlotte,
N.C., and Tampa, Fla.; Walbridge East in
Pittsburgh, which performs fossil fuel,
hydroelectric power, gas and wind ener-
gy projects; and Walbridge Equipment
Installation in Detroit; Aurora, Ill.; and
Quad Cities, Iowa, which provides self-
perform rigging and equipment instal-
lation; Walbridge Concrete Services in
Detroit; and Walbridge Facility Manage-
ment in Detroit, which provides non-core
facility, manufacturing and consolidation
services are other offices. ■